Nome-Such

Goodness, it's been awhile! Lots of misc. happening, mostly to share with Miss A of course. A couple of weeks after New Orleans, in early May, her and I journeyed north to my old home of Nome. I'd been looking forward to this trip since I found out about it last summer. There would be an annual conference happening there and I coordinated the Youth Track portion of it. That meant Miss A got to meet her Uncle, Aunt and cousins, along with very special friends.

Of course my camera battery died early in the week-long trip and I forgot to pack the charger. Small items like that were forgotten as I focused on the quantity of diapers to get us through the trip (buying them in Nome is not economical). You can see here that she got to meet her friend, Victoria! I loved seeing V crawling around and talking away.

We settled right into the family home and am so grateful for the hospitality in giving us niece Taylor's room and just having us around for quite awhile.

Uncle Tony took this picture of a splish-splash bath in their kitchen sink!

 Cousin Tay helped her play dress up. Lots of accessories for this fun.

A couple of pics. were taken of Miss A and I in KNOM. I hope to get a copy. It was quite something to be in the radio station with my daughter. As I think about moving to Nome and working there for years....to having my daughter in that actual building, with very special people was emotional for me. Here, she's playing around with KNOM's talented News Director in a hub for Western Alaska's information: the Newsroom! I think they're editing some sound files here. I was in the studio working on public service announcements with one of my teen travelers to the Summit.

Here are some of my teens representing nearly every region of the state. The Summit was focused on tobacco prevention and control. Our Youth Track was titled: "Tobacco: the REAL Deadliest Catch." As an icebreaker to get everyone bonding with one another, I initiated the Human Knot. Except that it was framed as a crab boat net of the tobacco industry trying to "hook" teens into a lifetime of addiction. I needed them to break free of this net/knot and in order to do so they had to work together, think outside of the box, stay united and committed to their cause. Captain "Cig" (cigarette) rooted for them to fail. But alas, after nearly an hour working together, and no one quitting, they made it out of the net/knot. What a team. We had a great experience. I miss this group, but thankfully we're working together long-distance via our tobacco-free coalition.

It snowed while in Nome! And the mornings were around zero with windchill. Good thing I packed the winter gear to use one last time this season. I'm so glad for the trip.

Even as Miss A gets bigger and more independent, its still nice to cuddle with Dad.

 And it's fun to play with the hallway mirror while Dad's on his lunch break!

 My first Mother's Day, with a gift of outdoor flowers. She was actually fussy for most of the day.

 Like I said, fussy. She doesn't smile all the time.

And now tummy time happens more often, in different places and with more positive results.

Whew! That's a lot. More to come as Miss A turned 5 months old Thursday. And more from the Cajun Queen. Andy took her out for an overnight while we spent time with his brother in Nome. He caught an eel. Maybe if Andy ever blogs again we'll see it (nudge, nudge). haha!

*Amy

Trust Me

I should have known to trust a Trooper, or better, my soon-to-be-husband. I learned that he really does know me. Last spring when he brought up the possibility of applying for a promotion to Sitka, I remember him saying, "you'll really like it there."

How could he say that?

I didn't know myself whether an entirely new climate, and part of Alaska (on an island!!) would appeal. I know the culture, means of living, sacrifice and enjoyment from arctic tundra AK, but the soggy Southeast?? What did he know of the community that would jive with my interests and approach to life, when he lived there only briefly in an intense "bubble?" (attending the Academy himself)

I greeted his assurance for my part in this move with skepticism, but with support for something important to his career and Southeast dream. Plus, I'm up for adventures. But I should have trusted him a little more from the start. He's right....I really like it here.

Of course I really loved Nome, otherwise I would not have stayed for just over 6 years. But gradually in my last year there the enjoyment and satisfaction started to diminish. I'd get more annoyed or less fulfilled by things than before. Though difficult, I knew it was time to change.

Wasilla was good in that Andy and I were together. I had Target and TREES (boy, I miss those beautiful birch trees), a new direction and friends in Anchorage with whom to do fun things. We planned and had our wedding there. As I start to process those nearly two years of commuting and living in the Valley, I think I was "dog paddling." Head above water, enjoying the view and company, but not necessarily growing in self or going any place. I had a lot of time out there on my own, not motivated to make the drive to Anchorage, and I didn't have a feeling of contentment. I usually wondered what more could I be doing, exploring...

When we'd go out to dinner, Andy and I would play the relocation game. What bids for Trooper Posts are open? What Posts would you ideally want to work at, live at? We hypothesized different scenarios all the time. As if we were anticipating what a crystal ball would reveal to us. The thought was scary, unknown, and there's a thrill to that as well. When Andy's job assignment in Wasilla changed and nearly guaranteed he wouldn't have to relocate...well, that was a relief, assured stability and was a bit of a let-down too. I'd keep dog-paddling.

Then he told me I'd like Sitka, as if he actually knew! He did. I've felt moments of simple contentment and happiness over and over again, which were rather rare for Wasilla, and which remind me of the early years in Nome. Yes, we're new and it's all rosy (like a newlywed and a honeymoon!). I'm sure in even a year we'll be less enchanted by certain things or see more sides to the community, but it's still good.

While walking about 40 minutes in the dusk to a Trooper's house Friday night (passing the Academy along the way where Andy was still working), I felt just right. Spontaneous contentment, fulfillment and enjoyment of that moment in time, the route. It's a good route we're on right now. I miss terribly specific parts, people and places of my last two homes, but I really like it in Sitka. Really like. And Andy won't even say "I told you so."

*Amy

Andy really enjoys Sitka too.

He took his cup o coffee outside yesterday to enjoy the peace and beauty of a sunny Saturday morning.

Wild Animals

We saw quite a few animals up in Nome around Christmas.

I got to see my former roomie, Tisuk, hop through snowdrifts.

The muskox herd grazed just in sight of Icyview pretty much all week! We watched them from the kitchen window. While on a couple expeditions to get a little closer, we always counted 23 of these prehistoric-looking beasts. These 3 had the company of a raven.And then you'd think the wild animal in this next picture is the super cool, computerized-moving dinosaur who showed up for Christmas...but maybe not...

Some make Cookies, Some Want Meat

Last month I shared about some holiday goodies I made up. Well, guys sometimes make different treats during the winter. Like Bou Burger.

Start with free-range Alaskan caribou meat.

Forget the Kitchen Aide mixer. A Cabelas meat grinder is needed for the task.It may be a two-person job.And then quality control may arrive on the scene.At the end is a freezer with over 20 pounds of healthy ground meat. Caribou tacos and other meaty meals were consumed throughout the Christmas week. This author helped with the bagging process.Just as we appreciate the hours and skills needed for hunting and then processing the animal, we also appreciate the hours upon hours Nikki spent in her Nome kitchen to produce this stunning holiday cookie tray.We were lucky, and fat, because "Gorn Brothers and families" were sent some authentic Wisconsin cheese and meat for holiday snacking! Thanks Aunt Barb and Uncle P for the staples in our diets. I hope Bucky "going under the knife" wasn't the losing affect on this weekend's Rose Bowl performance.

Man, we were spoiled with good eats.

*Amy

Our Christmas Story

A little under a week before Christmas Andy and Amy left their cheery, but snowless home in Southeast.

Their northern flight to Nome was delayed given a snowstorm. The pilot must have used Santa's GPS because the plane landed when not expected to. So Andy and Amy joined the G2 household for a week's time, and enjoyed holiday hospitality. The new snow was glorious and Amy went for a snowshoe hike with friends.The newlyweds helped take care of their niece and nephew part-time throughout the week. Lots of play and fun was had with the kiddos. Like super push-ups.Being good for Santa was on everyone's minds. Santa doesn't mind acting silly though.

Amy visited at KNOM and enjoying being back on the air. An evening "rock show" with buddy, Wes, turned into Moon songs preceding the exciting lunar eclipse. Andy chopped fire wood and fixed a truck with his brother. Together, Amy and Andy watched the sun rise and set on a clear winter solstice.

Joyful Christmas came to Nome, which turned very windy and chilling. Everyone attended or participated in Angie's organized Christmas pageant at Church. The niece was an angel, the nephew a king, the Auntie a singer and the Uncle a photographer. The Christmas story came to life in the cutest way.Then Santa delivered, presents shared, too much food eaten and happy memories made!What other tales will be told from this cold trip to Nome?

Farewell and Thank You

Kelly, Tom, Amy and Lynette (with award) seated at the Gabriel Awards in St. Louis, 2003.

KNOM won, again, "Radio Station of the Year."

Halloween night Andy and I gave out a fair amount of candy despite horribly windy weather. Monday morning I was thinking about our next blog post. By mid-morning, my friend in Nome had texted me to say that the backbone of my Alaska family died unexpectedly in his sleep on his 63rd birthday. I screamed out and began sobbing in my home office, and so began a difficult week for Tom Busch's family, of course, but also the KNOM family, Western Alaska and many more throughout the country.

Fortunately, I flew to Anchorage for the weekend to attend his funeral service, and was honored to serve as a reader in his service. It was a weekend of personal and collective grief, wonderful memories, KNOM reunions and overall healing.

It's been said many times over since Tom (KNOM Radio's founder) passed, but he shaped and altered the lives for so many young people as they journeyed to Nome, Alaska to serve at a far-out radio station. He's a life-changer: God works through him and his wife, Florence. I want to share with you a bit of what I wrote for KNOM as they assemble a tribute to Tom.

I first met Florence, then Tom, at St. Ben's during volunteer fairs of my Junior and Senior years. While I courted KNOM during the month of March senior year, he sent me that year's infamous Iditarod diary--in progress. Here's a college senior opening at 70+ page document late at night, about a sport of which she had no knowledge! I could have ran away screaming, but his obvious love and excitement told me this Nome, Alaska could possibly change my life. When I flew into Anchorage for the first time, Tom was at my gate waiting to greet me. He had just flown in from Fairbanks and we sat waiting for Florence's plane to arrive (she was coming from Fairbanks too, just later). Two years later it was Tom who made an incredible offer for me to stay at KNOM as paid staff, and so set the next four years of my life too.

2005 with the RAV4 in front of KNOM; Tom & Flo's last day in Nome.

Many people know my car: the maroon RAV4 that's old with ridiculously low mileage. I bought it from Tom and Florence when they were ready to leave Nome after 30 years and move to Anchorage. I didn't know how to drive a stick shift so Tom gave me driving lessons at Nome Beltz High School and around town. He could have just tried to sell the car to anyone, but enthusiastically spurred this learning idea. What patience and great skill to teach a new way of driving to a 24-year old! Then, this summer we left the RAV4 at their Anchorage home while Andy & I honeymooned for nearly two weeks. He happily dropped us off at the airport, and then brought the RAV4 to the airport when we arrived (Flo followed in their vehicle). To see him drive the car again, more than 5 years later, was a hoot and he declared how he forget the RAV4 was fun to drive!I

Mostly, though, every weekday morning for 3 years Tom greeted me when he first walked through the door at work. He started his work day as happy as could be, refreshed and ready to visit while I worked the morning show. His wide-eyed, cheerful self would smile and enter Studio A, ready to launch into some story or thoughts. Mostly it started in response or comment to something I shared during the morning show. A story he thought of based on something I talked about on the radio. Or, maybe he read something on the Internet the night before and wanted me to know. Perhaps the night sky's stars were in a certain alignment and I should go look, or here's a Cinematography magazine you may want to read, he saw a movie the night before and was considering the actors' performances. Maybe he remembered a story that led to a talk about marriage, mortality, faith and trying times, parenthood. He seemed just at ease contemplating the mysteries of life as he was discussing story arcs from the season of Northern Exposure I was borrowing from him and Florence. Every weekday morning for 3 years I listened and learned from him in those one-on-one moments. What a gift. What an opportunity to share from my young life and have someone take my thoughts, trials, and interests seriously. He would always light up and stop his work to listen to my reflections and experiences when I returned from every village trip. He would delight in my details and recollections, and ultimately have a memory and story of his own to share in return.

At his beautiful and touching service last Saturday, it was said how he never spoke sarcastically and approached everything in life positively and full of learning. Hard to believe someone can actually do that, but he did, every moment. Perhaps we can try to be more like Tom too. I'm going to try. Mentors plant seeds, even after they're gone I guess.

If you want to check out the growing list of tributes and stories, click here to see KNOM's compilation, and to read more about Tom's incredible life. If you feel moved to go a step further, consider making a donation to KNOM radio in Nome in Tom's memory.

Thanks for letting me share. Continued prayers for Florence, Steve and Kate and all those touched by Tom's gifts & saddened by his too soon departure.

*Amy

What Happens at the Bach, Stays with the Bach!

A week ago I left Andy home alone for a girls weekend. Where else do you go for lady time but Nome, AK?! I really wanted to be at & help with the Bachelorette party for my ole' roommate, Nikki. Nome was full (is full) of snow, chilly, beautiful and tres amusement. Of course we had the usual Airport Pizza shindig, brunch with friends at the Polar, and quality time with the future nephew & niece....but Saturday was also full of both fresh and smokey air.

Nikki, Erika and I (well, and the 3 black & white doggies) went for a 2-hour Bering Sea beach walk. There was a good storm earlier that week so items like starfish washed ashore and then froze to the ground. It made walking on the glaze a bit tricky, but also interesting as the land and sea winterize.

The dogs crowded Erika as she took a picture of Nikki & I at the mouth of the Nome River, and then her pup, Coco, got so heated that a dip in the freezing Sea was needed (or looking for the lost stick)!
As for the ladies-only party, I'll just say that it was a blast and I loved being back. My voice was pretty hoarse the next day. I authorize the release this photo, but that's it.One of our next blog posts will be from the actual wedding of Nikki & Zeb in Wisconsin! Looking forward to this next week in the Midwest.

Happy Thanksgiving!

*Amy

Representing More

As all Alaskans should know, Western Alaska legislator Richard Foster passed away last month from ongoing illnesses. Richard represented Nome and a good chunk of rural AK in the House for about 21 years. The stories, memories and condolences have been many for his service, personality and ethics. I just wanted to share a few memories because, one, I could not attend his services and, two, he represented more than politics to me.

Growing up I did not interact and rarely even knew who were my legislators. That has a lot to do with me, my interests and position in life at the time (busy college student, etc.). Holding office was far-off, foreign and "high up" to me. I wasn't civically engaged and only knew of law-making and processes from classes.

I moved to Nome at the start of my young adulthood and was ready for lots more life learning and experiences. Actually talking to politicians was definitely a part of that. So there I was, a 22 year old with a microphone, flying to the village of Elim to cover a new school opening. I was in the bush airplane sponsored by the school district. That's when I found out our Representative was also on the plane. Oh man--how intimidating! I figured that's someone I should meet and speak to, but what the heck to say to a "politician?" I hadn't figured out yet that elected officials are real people too, and that in Alaska you surely will rub elbows. I scanned the airplane trying to figure out the person. I came to learn later it was the white-haired man wearing camouflage pants. He seemed kind.

Our group spent the day in the Elim High School and I got my news stories. We flew home to Nome but got in later than expected. The air hangar didn't have a working phone and I needed a ride to the radio station. The guy in the camo pants offered me one, because he was going that way (I didn't know at the time he lived right by KNOM). I got into his antique truck and off we drove at nearly 20 mph. It was one of the strangest vehicles I had ridden in, and I was at a loss for what to talk about. No worries, Richard took care of that and from then on I looked forward to seeing him (and the characteristic camo pants) around Nome when he wasn't in Juneau.

Fast forward four years and I was on a personal trip to Juneau. I called Richard's office and my Senator's to ask for a visit as I stopped in the Capital building to check it out. I went from intimidation to seeking out. Richard took great care of me, ushering me around on a tour before the day's session. We took our picture in his office, as all visitors did, and when I seated myself in the Gallery he sneaked in cookies to eat. There were signs clearly stating "No food or drink allowed in the Gallery." Then he introduced me as his constituent, as is tradition. He explained I worked for KNOM in Nome but had come down (to Southeast AK) to lobby him for renaming the station to K-A-M-Y. More words were said and the entire House laughed, smiled at me and continued with the business of the day. I got my Richard postcard a week later (another tradition). Yes, politicians are real people and some of them are ones we actually enjoy getting to know. I thank Representative Foster for that simple and kind lesson.

Nearly everyone I know up here has a Richard Foster relationship and far many more memories or stories than me, but I feel good having shared a little. His son, Neal (my friend and former landlord) has been appointed his replacement. I wish him the best with this public service.

I was touched to read in last week's Nome Nugget that his coffin was driven in that antique truck I remember from several years ago. And I'll keep my Rep. Foster bullet key chain.

*Amy

Nome Nuptials

We got back to Nome again! And for what a great reason... the marriage of good friends Liz and Eric. Years ago they were KNOM volunteers and I worked with them--Liz stayed in Nome and Eric eventually moved back. It's a great story and I'm so happy they asked me to be part of their wedding party!

Andy also came up for a few days, but I spent most of my time visiting friends and former workplaces. G2 and G3 spent a hard day's work in Council. Staying with Nikki & Zeb in their new home was just like going home. We went beach glass gathering at East end and nearly tripped over this dead seal in the process! You never know what you'll find gracing the Golden Sands of Nome.

We also went scouting for good looking willows to take down as decoration for the wedding reception.The weather turned so nice for one night that we went back to the beach for a bonfire. This photo was taken with good friends during the Midnight Sun. Note the need for sunglasses!Before I knew it, the wedding arrived. Earlier this year Liz stayed with us one weekend, and that's when she bought her wedding dress. It was so special to be with her when she picked the dress and then to see her "live" it!Then I had to be asked to stop cutting the cake for them! Got a little carried away. :)Another special couple to Congratulate and wish all the best for their lives together.

It was more "normal" to be back in Nome this time than Christmas. A part of me felt like I hadn't moved at all. I'm so happy to keep connected.

*Amy

Catching up on Christmas

2008 is Christmas of Past now, but it's still fun to revisit. We're slow to post blogs right now and I'm dominating the writing because Andy's 7-year old PowerBook died. May it Rest In Peace in one of the spare rooms. So we're a one laptop household now--oh, the stress! :)

As said before, we flew to Nome on Christmas Eve to stay with Tony, Angie, Cole & Tay Tay (Taylor). At this point I had moved from Nome just shy of 4 months and I was a bit nervous about the emotions of returning so soon. Right off the plane, I ran into the AC grocery story for some holiday ingredients and immediately felt welcomed by familiar faces everywhere. Even the cashier called, "Amy! I can help you over here." It's nice to be "where everyone knows your name." Right after that errand, we strapped on snowshoes and went on a nice tundra hike to pull Tony's hunting traps. It was perfect coastal weather (no wind and warm) and felt great to enjoy the open countryside. One of the highlights of staying in Nome for the holiday was revisiting the world of Santa. 

Three-year old Cole woke to piles of presents under the tree and the excitement of Santa was contagious. Taylor (1 1/2 years) knew she got some pretty neat gifts too. 

I think one of my favorites moments of the trip was gearing up for the outdoors Christmas Day afternoon and stopping by a few houses with good cheer. Our group then walked a snowy trail, carefree and very playful. We sang and fell into the powder, laughed and took pictures. It was almost too wholesome! Cole loved the outdoors because he got the best ride of all! 

We also spent time snowmachining, visiting many friends and eating very well (thanks Liz and all!). 

During Christmas Day Mass I was welcomed "home" by some people. It felt a tad odd not to have an actual "home" while in town, but just driving those familiar streets was a gift. 

By the time we left on the 27th I was ready to return to my new "home" and there was no heartache involved. I'll be back someday and my Nome family is never out of my life--this trip proved that. I just wish it was easier to spend time in each other's presences. I'm grateful Andy enjoys a Nome trip as much as I do. Thanks to G2 and crew for hosting, and for arranging this great weather! 

*Amy

Helping Hands

THANK YOU, GREATLY:

Judy, Jodi, Georgia, Tom, Pauline, Liz, Eric, Mom, and most of all, ANDY.

All these wonderful people have used their hands, time and Alaska Airlines tickets to bring down my stuff via checked bags for FREE. Most often Andy tracked them down on the other side, collected bags & boxes and is storing them at the house until I'm down. I have counted 15 AK Air trips helping me move from Nome to Wasilla--that includes Mom and myself on the last flight out!! This means I will use the Post Office only twice, maybe three times to send a few personal items via snail mail. What a savings! Again, it took willingness, creativity, strong arms and carts at the airport to make this happen. Thank you!

The latest round of these shipments happened Saturday morning. This is the usual scene at the terminal:

I'm labeling boxes to check under Pauline's name (she was traveling to Anchorage for just a day and had no bags), and Andy would collect them in the airport because he was on the same flight...of course, loaded with more of my things and his own. He actually checked some precious cargo too that I'll let him share. After Andy somehow loads two large duffle bags, 3 boxes, his heavy precious cargo and a plant...he drives today to Tom's house near the airport to collect six more boxes of my things. At some point he'll have to bring ALL that from the truck into the house. 

What's in some of these boxes? Two bridesmaid dresses to wear next month, wine glasses, a coffee grinder, fishing gear, clothes, hanging pictures, Pampered Chef supplies, and on and on.

Whew! THANK YOU, ANDY!

We did poorly capturing pictures while Andy was in town. But he and I did go blueberry picking. A nice Friday night, less than an hour of time, a little kneeling on tundra, and VOILA! Berries! Future jars of jam right here:

Some loot, producing a few stains on my pants:

Well, here's to moving within Alaska pound for pound...out like a whimper, rather than a bang! 

Made possible through the kind hearts of good friends.

*Amy